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Cherokee FR-465 Plus VW
By Jeff Porcaro
The FR-465 Plus VW is a next-generation radio from Wireless Marketing. It is a full-featured radio, and one of the first to include Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries and an AC wall charger.
The FR-465 Plus VW includes a waterproof casing that protects the radio in the heaviest of downpours, however the unit should not be submersed. Other features include 14 channels with 47 sub-channels, key lock, vibrating or ringing incoming call alert, transmission time out timer, busy channel lock, channel scanning, and a new feature called Vitalert.
Vitalert constantly monitors the communication between radios and sets off an alarm if the link is broken. This is a great feature for families with small children. One feature that is a must for children is the transmission time out timer. This feature keeps the radio from constantly transmitting for more than the time you specified. This feature keeps children from running down the batteries.
On the plus side, we like the radio's power-saving circuit for extending the battery life and the busy channel lock out which keeps the radio from transmitting while it is receiving.
On the down side, we found the 465 VW difficult to use without the manual, as there are too many button combinations to activate features. For example, to lock the keys you have to push the Function button and the Call button.
Summary: The FR-465 Plus VW has good sound quality and plenty of features. We really like the rechargeable battery pack, especially when you consider that it uses 5 AA batteries. Although it is pricey, the radio's features and quality match its price. If you don't need the vibrating call alert and water resistance then you can save some money by going with the FR-465 or another inexpensive radio like the Kenwood FreeTalk.
The suggested retail price of the FR-465 Plus is $189.95.
The suggested retail price of the FR-465 Plus VW is $199.95.
Jeff Porcaro is a Contributing Editor at GearReview.com.
For more information, contact:
Wireless Marketing Corporation
1212 Remington Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60008
wrlmkt@sprynet.com
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